John Anthony Riccio Jr.

****SERVICES RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER******

John Anthony Riccio, Jr. of Ventnor, NJ. Passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 19, 2026. Born on May 29, 1944, in his Italian immigrant grandparents home in Montgomery County, PA.

As a young man John worked alongside his Dad in the family gas station business along with the "Riccio racing team" of stock cars and demolition derbys at Hatfield Race Track. Upon graduation of high school, John attended Drexel University studying Architecture & engineering until his Dad relocated to Florida. John was an avid musician and had a passion for playing the drums which led him to join a rock 'n roll band where they traveled to Atlantic City, NJ. To the Tony Grant Stars of tomorrow at the Steel Pier. All the while his girlfriend Maria Elena waited back at home because her parents would not allow her to go so far away from home. Soon after, John married the love of his life Maria Elena with her parents blessing. They were 18 & 20 yrs old and could not get a place to stay on their trip to Wildwood for their honeymoon! Finally, John showed the lady at the desk their marriage license and she let them in.

John & his bride raised two wonderful children, then in 1977, John got an offer to move to Atlantic City to work with the entertainment people at Resorts Casino when it opened. He got to hang out with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & many other stars. He eventually attended gaming school and worked in many Casinos working his way up to Poker Manager. While working at the Taj Mahal he got the opportunity to attend Karate classes where he earned a first degree black belt. John was an avid hunter, skier & lover of all things mechanical, especially his motorcycle. He also loved attending the Atco Races with his bro-in-law Johnny where he would keep time for the car runs. He loved taking his naps on the Suffolk Ave beach and walking the boards & pier with his wife, Maria Elena.

He always said he lived for the day he could ski for free at Camelback where they offered a free ticket to 70 & older. Days with his family were his favorites, camping, skiing at our Pocono house with the grandsons was the happiest of times. He was a huge Eagles and Phillies fan. John was an active member of Holy Trinity Parish & an usher every Sunday at Mass. He was a very faithful servant of the Lord & loved delivering food to the homeless in Atlantic City. He was also an active 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Wm. F. Doyle chapter #7316.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years Maria Elena, his daughter, Maria Elena Mahoney (Vincent), son John A. Riccio III (Andrea), sister Millie Ann Carson (Andrew), brother Eugene M. Riccio (Kathy) sister Maria Zieger (Donald), 6 grandsons Vincent G. Mahoney, Shane P. Mahoney, Rocco J. Mahoney, John A. Riccio IV (Jerilyn), Jake A. Riccio (Reyna), Jeno A. Riccio (Brandy), and great grands- John A. Riccio V, Jameson Riccio, Juliette Riccio, Oliver Riccio, August Riccio, Janeesa Riccio. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Marie Riccio & in laws Dominic & Immaculata Paone.

***UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION***** A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 25th, from 5PM-7PM, at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, Linwood. On Thursday, February 26th, another viewing will be held from 10AM-11AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM, at Holy Trinity Parish: St. James Church, Ventnor. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing.Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.

George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Linwood - Ventnor, NJ